The running bug has struck - and first half marathon drove me on

I still class myself as a wannabe runner even though I’m putting in quite a lot of miles each week. For me, it’s just not something that I feel comes naturally but then I suppose, like everything, it’s about the amount of hard work you put into it.

I never intended to get into the running side of things and kind of got talked into taking part in my first ever half marathon last October by taking part in the Great Eastern Run with the guys from the gym that I go to.

I’ll admit that the main reason that I started running is because of my weight loss and maybe a bit of vanity. I have lost quite a few stones in weight and I’m always quite worried about having excess skin so I thought (along with the weights) it would be a good thing to do to help me tone!

All that aside I think I have actually now got the running bug!

Heather Walker (5920897)

In a way, I love the discipline. It’s something that you just have to keep chipping away at. Obviously the more you do it, the slightly easier it becomes as you get fitter. But it’s also the way that it makes you feel….I know from being a non-runner, I shock myself too - but it just makes you feel really fit and healthy.

Advice from me (the non-runner):

l Do it because you want to do it and do it for you.

l Start off steady….I made the mistake of trying to run faster than Mo Farah…as you can guess, that didn’t work out so well….

l Maybe download a running app? Ask your gym?

That first half marathon in a way gave me a taste of what I could actually achieve and yes, of course it’s hard work to run those miles, it’s also one of the best feelings ever once you cross that finish line.

I appreciate that there are many ways to get fit and stay in shape but I really am pleased that I was talked into that first half marathon.

If you’re thinking of trying running, I would definitely say go for it.